Snow Day!

• Publisher:   Scholastic Inc.
• Number Of Pages:   32
• Publication Date:   2004
• ISBN-10 / ASIN:   0439729882
• ISBN-13 / EAN:   9780439729888

There's no denying that Sam, Pam, Will and Jill, a quartet of anthropomorphized crocodile children, have hit on an ingenious way to take full advantage of a new snowfall. Posing as principals, they call the local news station and declare a snow day. "All schools are closed!" announces the staff of Croc-O News. "Wheee!" exult Sam, Pam, Will and Jill, a few pages later. "And they sledded and sledded all day." Lakin's text is a model of comic economy, using simple vocabulary and repetition to create an ebullient, punchy rhythm. Nash's gouache-and-pencil pictures, often divided into panels to show simultaneous action among the four protagonists, giddily chronicle the events leading up to the principal ploy: the flurry of phone calls among the friends, the donning of appropriate snow gear, the crushing realization that school presents a formidable obstacle to their sledding. His crocodiles are nearly identical, but therein lies much of the dizzy humor -- every emotion is multiplied times four. Even the typography seems just right, with large, sans-serif letters underscoring the staccato pacing. A seamless work of storytelling about a classic snow job.

Sam and Pam and Will and Jill are alligator characters who like to play in the snow. Unfortunately, they also have to go to school. But there's a way out of that dilemma, isn't there? Make a few phone calls, say you're the principal of the school, etc. etc. etc. And before you know it, the foursome is free to enjoy the snow. With large letters and repetitive language patterns, this book is sure to entice beginning readers. But wait a minute: are these characters children or adults? Are they REALLY school principals with the authority to close school? Or are they children pretending to be in charge who are fooling the local media? The text can be read either way, but children might not understand either one. Use with caution.

The kids call the media and call off school to get a snow day- what message does this promote? That being dishonest pays off? I don't think so- to make it worse, this book is being offered in the school book clubs- do not buy this book!!!!

This is my son's favorite book second only to Beach Day. I've given it as a gift to lots of kids now and I always get the same happy response. a crowd pleaser!

Our 6 month old baby loves this story and so do his parents. Great rhythm and fun pictures. We even recite it to him in the car when he gets fussy in his car seat. We are hooked on "Snow Day!" We highly recommend this book.

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